Datsun Bluebird 510 SSS Coupe
The Datsun Bluebird 510, produced from 1968 to 1973, stands as one of the most significant Japanese cars ever made. Often called the 'poor man's BMW 2002,' the 510 combined European-inspired engineering with Japanese reliability and affordability, creating a car that was as capable on the racetrack as it was practical for daily driving. The SSS Coupe variant, with its twin-carburetor engine and sporting pretensions, represents the pinnacle of the 510 range.
The 510's engineering was remarkably sophisticated for its class and price point. It featured fully independent suspension at all four corners using MacPherson struts up front and semi-trailing arms at the rear - a layout that gave it handling characteristics far superior to its competitors. The overhead cam L16 engine, displacing 1595cc, produced 109 horsepower in SSS trim with twin SU-type Hitachi carburetors. While these numbers seem modest today, the 510's light weight of just 905 kg meant the power-to-weight ratio was competitive.
The SSS (Super Sports Sedan) designation was reserved for the sporting models, which in coupe form featured a handsome two-door body designed by Pininfarina. The coupe's crisp, clean lines with its pillarless hardtop profile gave it an elegance that belied its affordable price tag. The interior was simple but well-equipped for the era, with round gauges, a wood-rimmed steering wheel, and supportive bucket seats.
It was in competition that the 510 truly made its name. Peter Brock's BRE (Brock Racing Enterprises) team campaigned 510s in SCCA racing with spectacular success, winning the Trans-Am 2.5 Challenge series championship in 1971 and 1972. The BRE 510s, resplendent in their distinctive red, white, and blue livery, became the cars that proved Japanese manufacturers could compete head-to-head with European sports sedans. In rally competition, the 510 also excelled, winning the 1970 East African Safari Rally and numerous national events.
The 510's tunability was another key factor in its success. The L-series engine responded well to modifications, and the car's lightweight construction and independent suspension made it an ideal platform for grassroots motorsport. A cottage industry of 510 racing and modification developed, particularly on the US West Coast, that continues to this day.
The Datsun 510 SSS Coupe played a crucial role in changing Western perceptions of Japanese cars. At a time when Japanese imports were still viewed primarily as cheap econoboxes, the 510 demonstrated that Japan could produce cars with genuine sporting character. Its combination of racing pedigree, affordable pricing, and reliable engineering laid the groundwork for the sports car revolution that Datsun would lead with the 240Z.
Today, the 510 is one of the most collectible vintage Japanese cars, with clean coupes commanding substantial premiums. The two-door coupe body is the most desirable configuration, followed by the four-door sedan. Rust is the biggest threat, as with all vintage Japanese cars, and finding rust-free examples has become increasingly difficult.
Rust is the primary concern - check floor pans, trunk floor, fender wells, cowl area, and lower door skins. The L16 engine is very reliable but check for oil burning and worn cam chain tensioner. The 4-speed gearbox is robust but parts are becoming scarce. Suspension bushings deteriorate with age. Verify the car is a genuine coupe and not a sedan conversion. Check that twin carbs are present for SSS models. Original-condition cars with documented history command significant premiums. Be wary of quick resprays hiding rust.
The 510 was produced from 1968 to 1973 with approximately 290,000 units of the coupe variant built. The car was sold as the Bluebird 510 in Japan and the Datsun 510 in export markets. The SSS trim was the performance specification in Japan; US-market cars received the PL510 designation.